"He had lost his wife and two children by disease. What hadhappened to the other child was something of a mystery. I rathersupposed it had died while away from home, but I was not sure."

"Have you any idea at all what became of William Bodley?"

"Not exactly. Once I met a man in Pittsburg who had met a man ofthat name in Idaho, among the mines. Both of us wondered if thatWilliam A. Bodley was the same that I had bought my farm from."

"Did he say what part of Idaho?"

"He did, but I have forgotten now. Do you think he was arelative of yours?"

"I don't know what to think. It may be that he was my father.

"Your father?"

"Yes," and Joe told his story and mentioned the documents foundin the blue tin box.

"It does look as if he might be your father," said AugustusGreggs. "Maybe you're the child that was away from home at thetime his other children and his wife died."

"Do you think anybody else in this village would know anythingmore about this William Bodley?"

"No, I don't. But it won't do any harm to ask around. Thatstage driver knows all the old inhabitants. Perhaps some of themcan tell you something worth while."

Upon urgent invitation, Joe took dinner at the Greggs' farm andthen set out to visit a number of folks who had lived inMillville and vicinity for many years. All remembered William A.Bodley and his family, but not one could tell what had become ofthe man after he had sold out and gone away.

"Maybe you had better advertise for him," suggested one man.

"It will cost a good deal to advertise all over the UnitedStates," replied Joe; "and for all I know he may be dead or outof the country."

Joe remained in Millville two days and then took the train backto the East. Ned was the first to greet him on his return toRiverside.

"What luck?" he asked, anxiously.

"None whatever," was the sober answer.

"Oh, Joe, that's too bad!"

"I am afraid I am stumped, Ned."

They walked to the Talmadge mansion, and that evening talked thematter over with Ned's father.

"I will arrange to have an advertisement inserted in a leadingpaper of each of our big cities," said Mr. Talmadge. "That willcost something, but not a fortune."

"You must let me pay for it," said our hero.

"No, Joe, you can put this down to Ned's credit--you two are suchgood chums," and Mr. Talmadge smiled quietly.

The advertisements were sent out the following day, through anadvertising agent, and all waited for over two weeks for somereply, but none came.

"It's no use," said Joe, and it must be admitted that he was muchdowncast.

In the meantime he had seen Andrew Mallison and the hotel mansaid he would willingly hire him for the summer as soon as theseason opened, and also give Frank Randolph a situation.

"You had better be my guest until that time," said Ned to ourhero, when he heard of this.

"Thank you, Ned, but I don't wish to remain idle so long."

The very next mail after this talk brought news for our hero. Aletter came from Maurice Vane, asking him if he wished to go toMontana.

"I am now certain that that mine is valuable," wrote thegentleman. "I am going to start West next Monday. If you wishto go with me I will pay your fare and allow you a salary of tendollars per week to start on. I think later on, I will have agood opening for you."

"That settles it, I am going West!" cried Joe, as he showed theletter to his chum.

"Well, I don't blame you," was the reply. "I know just how niceit is out there. You'll be sure to get along."

Before going to bed Joe wired his acceptance of the offer, and inthe morning received a telegram from Maurice Vane, asking him togo to Chicago, to the Palmer House.

"That settles it, I'm off," said our hero, and bought a ticketfor the great city by the lakes without delay. Then he saidgood-bye to the Talmadges and the Gussings, and boarded the trainat sundown.

Joe was now getting used to traveling and no longer felt greenand out of place. He had engaged a berth, and took his easeuntil it was time to go to bed. Arriving at Chicago he made hisway without delay to the Palmer House.

He found the hotel crowded and had some difficulty in getting aroom. Mr. Maurice Vane had not yet arrived.

"I guess I'll leave a note for him," thought our hero, andsauntered into the reading-room to pen the communication.

While Joe was writing, two men came into the room and sat downbehind a pillar that was close at hand. They were in earnestconversation and he could not help but catch what was said.

"You say he is coming West?" said one of the pair.

"Yes,--he started yesterday."

"And he has found out that the mine is really valuable?"

"I think so. Anyway he is quite excited about it. He sent atelegram to that boy, too."

"The hotel boy you mean?"

"Yes."

So the talk ran on and Joe at length got up to take a look at thetwo men. They were Gaff Caven and Pat Malone. At once our herodrew out of sight again.

"How can you get the best of Vane, Gaff?" asked Malone, after apause.

"There is but one way, Malone."

"And that is?"

"Can I trust you?"

"Haven't you trusted me before?"

"We must--" Caven paused. "We won't talk about it in this publicplace. Come to my room and I'll lay my plan before you."

Then the two arose and left the reading-room as rapidly as theyhad entered it.

CHAPTER XXVI.

HOW A SATCHEL DISAPPEARED.

"They certainly mean mischief," Joe told himself, after the twomen had vanished. He saw them enter an elevator, but did notknow at what floor they alighted.

Looking over the hotel register he was unable to find the namesof either Caven or Malone, or even Ball. Evidently the rascalswere traveling under other names now.

"I'm afraid you won't be able to get a room, Mr. Vane. But youcan have mine."

"I telegraphed ahead for a room, Joe."

"Do you know that your enemies are here?" went on our hero.

"My enemies?"

"Gaff Caven and Pat Malone. But they are traveling under othernames."

"Have they seen you?"

"I think not, sir."

Mr. Vane soon had his room assigned to him and he and our heropassed up in the elevator. As soon as they were in the apartmentby themselves, Joe related what he had seen and heard.

"They are certainly on my trail," mused Maurice Vane. "And theymust have kept pretty close or they wouldn't know that I hadasked you to accompany me."

"They have some plot, Mr. Vane."

"Have you any idea what it is?"

"No, sir, excepting that they are going to try to do you out ofyour interest in that mine."

Maurice Vane and Joe talked the matter over for an hour, butwithout satisfaction. Then they went to the dining room forsomething to eat.

"We start for Montana in the morning," said the gentleman. "Ithink the quicker I get on the ground the better it will be forme."

Although Maurice Vane and Joe did not know it, both were shadowedby Caven and Malone. The two rascals had disguised themselves bydonning false beards and putting on spectacles.

"They leave in the morning," said Caven. "Malone, we must gettickets for the same train, and, if possible, the same sleepingcar."

"It's dangerous work," grumbled Pat Malone.

"If you want to back out, say so, and I'll go it alone."

"I don't want to back out. But we must be careful."

"I'll be careful, don't fear," answered the leader of the evilpair.

At the ticket office of the hotel, Maurice Vane procured thenecessary tickets and sleeper accommodations to the town ofGolden Pass, Idaho. He did not notice that he was watched. Amoment later Gaff Caven stepped up to the desk.

"I want a couple of tickets to Golden Pass, too," he said,carelessly.

"Yes, sir."

"Let me see, what sleeper did that other gentleman take?"

"Number 2, sir--berths 7 and 8."

"Then give me 9 and 10 or 5 and 6," went on Caven.

"9 and 10--here you are, sir," said the clerk, and made out theberth checks. Without delay Caven hurried away, followed byMalone.

"We'll be in the sleeping compartment right next to that used byVane and the boy," chuckled Gaff Caven. "Pat, it ought to bedead easy."

"Have you the chloroform?"

"Yes, twice as much as we'll need."

"When can we leave the train?"

"At three o'clock, at a town called Snapwood. We can get anothertrain two hours later,--on the northern route."

All unconscious of being watched so closely, Maurice Vane and Joerode to the depot and boarded the train when it came along. Joehad been looking for Caven and Malone, but without success.

"I cannot see those men anywhere," he said.

"They are probably in hiding," said his employer.

The train was only half full and for the time being Caven andMalone kept themselves either in the smoking compartment or inthe dining car. It was dark when they took their seats, and soonthe porter came through to make up the berths for the night.

"I must confess I am rather sleepy," said Maurice Vane.

"So am I," returned our hero. "I am sure I can sleep like a top,no matter how much the car shakes."

"Then both of us may as well go to bed at once."

So it was arranged, and they had the porter put up their berths afew minutes later. Maurice Vane took the lower resting placewhile our hero climbed to the top.

Although very tired it was some time before Joe could get tosleep. He heard Maurice Vane breathing heavily and knew that hisemployer must be fast in the land of dreams.

When Joe awoke it was with a peculiar, dizzy feeling in his head.

His eyes pained him not a little and for several minutes he couldnot remember where he was. Then came a faint recollection ofhaving tried to arise during the night but of being held down.

"I must have been dreaming," he thought. "But it was exactly asif somebody was keeping me down and holding something over mymouth and nose."

He stretched himself and then pushed aside the berth curtain andgazed out into the aisle of the car. The porter was already atwork, turning some of the berths into seats once more. Joe sawthat it was daylight and consulted the nickel watch he carried.

"Eight o'clock!" he exclaimed. "I've overslept myself sure! Mr.Vane must be up long ago."

"Probably, although I rarely feel so, and I ride a great deal. Ifeel rather sick at my stomach, too," went on the gentleman, ashe began to dress.

Joe had just started to go to the lavatory to wash up when heheard his employer utter an exclamation.

"Joe!"

"Yes, sir!"

"Did you see anything of my satchel?"

"You took it into the berth with you."

"I don't see it."

"It must be somewhere around. I saw it when you went to bed."

"Yes, I put it under my pillow."

Both made a hasty search, but the satchel could not be found. The dress-suit case stood under the seat and Joe's was besideit.

"This is strange. Can I have been robbed?"

"Was there much in that satchel, Mr. Vane?"

"Yes, those mining shares and some other articles of value."

"Then we must find the satchel by all means."

"I'll question the porter about this."

The colored man was called and questioned, but he denied havingseen the bag. By this time quite a few passengers becameinterested.

"Has anybody left this car?" asked Maurice Vane.

"The gen'men that occupied Numbers 9 and 10, sah," said theporter.

"When did they get off?"

" 'Bout three o'clock, sah--when de train stopped at Snapwood."

"I haven't any tickets for Snapwood," said the conductor, who hadappeared on the scene.

"Then they must have had tickets for some other point," said Joe.

"That looks black for them."

The porter was asked to describe the two men and did so, to thebest of his ability. Then another search was made, and in acorner, under a seat, a bottle was found, half filled withchloroform.

"It's as plain as day to me," said Maurice Vane. "Joe, I waschloroformed."

"Perhaps I was, too. That's what gave us the dizzy feeling."

"And those two men--"

"Must have been Caven and Malone in disguise," finished our hero.

CHAPTER XXVII.

JOE MAKES A DISCOVERY.

"Who are Caven and Malone?" asked the conductor of the train,while a number of passengers gathered around, to hear whatMaurice Vane and our hero might have to say.

"They are two rascals who are trying to do me out of my share ofa mine," explained Maurice Vane. "I had my mining shares in thatsatchel."

"If you wish I'll telegraph back to Snapwood for you," went onthe train official.

"How many miles is that?"

"A little over two hundred."

"What is the next stop of this train?"

"Leadington."

"When will we get there?"

"In ten minutes."

A telegram was prepared and sent back to Snapwood as soon asLeadington was reached. The train was held for five minutes andit was learned that nobody had been seen at the station there atthree in the morning, as the night operator and station masterwere away, there being no passengers to get on the train boundWest.

Maurice Vane was much disturbed and did not know what to do.

"To go back and look for them at Snapwood may be a mere waste oftime," said he. "On the other hand, I don't feel much like goingon while the shares are out of my possession."

"If you wish it, Mr. Vane, I'll go back," said Joe. "You can goahead, and if anything turns up I will telegraph to you."

This pleased the gentleman, and he said Joe could go back on thevery next train. The conductor was again consulted, and our heroleft the train bound West a quarter of an hour later.

"Here is some money," said Maurice Vane on parting. "You'll needit." And he handed over two hundred dollars.

"Oh, Mr. Vane! will I need as much as this?"

"Perhaps. If you see those rascals you may have a long chase tocapture them. Do not hesitate to spend the money if it appearsnecessary to do so."

Long before noon our hero was on the way East on a trainscheduled to stop at Snapwood. He went without his dress-suitcase and carried his money in four different pockets.

The train was almost empty and the riding proved decidedlylonely. In a seat he found an Omaha paper, but he was in nohumor for reading. When noon came he took his time eating hisdinner, so that the afternoon's ride might not appear so lasting.

About half-past two o'clock the train came to an unexpected halt.

Looking out of the window Joe saw that they were in something ofa cut, close to the edge of a woods.

The delay continued, and presently one passenger after anotheralighted, to learn the meaning of the hold-up. Joe did likewise,and walked through the cut toward the locomotive.

The mystery was easily explained. On one side of the cut thebank had toppled over the tracks, carrying with it two trees ofgood size. A number of train hands were already at work, sawingthe trees into pieces, so that they might be shifted clear of thetracks.

Joe watched the men laboring for a few minutes and then walked upthe bank, to get a look at the surroundings. Then he heard awhistle and saw a train approaching from the opposite direction. It came to a halt a few hundred feet away.

As the delay continued our hero walked along the bank of the cutand up to the newly-arrived train. The latter was crowded withpassengers, some of whom also got out.

"Did that train stop at Snapwood?" he asked of one of thepassengers.

"It did," was the answer.

"Did you see anybody get on?"

"No, but somebody might have gotten on. I wasn't looking."

"Thank you."

"Looking for a friend?"

"No," said Joe, and moved on.

Without delay our hero ran to the front end of the newly-arrivedtrain and got aboard. As he walked through he gave every grownpassenger a close look.

At the end of the third car he came upon two suspicious-lookingindividuals, who were gazing at a bit of paper in the hands ofone. Joe came closer and saw that the paper was a mining share.

"Caven and Malone, as sure as fate!" he murmured to himself. "What had I best do next?"

While Joe was trying to make up his mind, Caven chanced to glanceup and his eyes fell upon our hero. He gave a cry of dismay andthrust the mining share out of sight.

"What's the matter?" asked Malone in a low tone.

"Look there, Pat! That boy!"

"No!"

"But it is!"

"How did he get on this train?"

"I don't know. But it's unpleasant enough for us."

"Do you suppose Vane is around?" asked Malone, nervously.

"He may be."

The two men stared around the car. Only some women and childrenwere present, the men having gone out to learn the cause of thedelay.

"Perhaps we had better get out," went on Malone.

"All right"

They arose, and, satchel in hand, started to leave the train.

"Stop!" cried Joe, and caught Caven by the arm.

"Let go of me, boy!" ejaculated the rascal, and tried to pullhimself loose.

"I won't let go, Gaff Caven."

"If you don't, it will be the worse for you! I am not to betrifled with!"

"You must give up that satchel."

"Bah!"

"If you don't, I'm going to have you arrested."

"Who is going to arrest me here?" sneered the man who had robbedMaurice Vane. "Don't you know we are miles away from any town?"

"I don't care. Give up the satchel, or I'll call the trainhands."

"I'll give up nothing, boy! Stand out of my way!"

Gaff Caven gave Joe a violent shove which sent our hero upagainst a seat. Then he turned and ran from the car, with PatMalone ahead of him.

"Stop them!" cried Joe, as soon as he could recover. "Stop thethieves!"

Others took up the cry, but before anything could be done Cavenand Malone were out of the car and on to the tracks. Both staredaround in perplexity for a second.

"Come on, we can't afford to waste time here!" cried Caven, andran for the bank of the cut, up which he scrambled hastily, withhis confederate at his side.

Joe saw them make the move and was not slow to follow. Near athand was a tall, western young man, with bronzed features and ageneral outdoor manner.

"Say!" cried our hero. "Will you help me to catch those two men? They are thieves and I want them arrested. If you'll help mecatch them I'll pay you well for your trouble."

"I'll go you, stranger!" answered the western young man, readily. "You are certain of your game?"

"Yes. That satchel has their plunder in it. They robbed a friendof mine."

"This suits me then, friend. We'll round 'em up in short order."

By this time Caven and Malone had gained the woods. Looking backthey saw Joe coming behind, accompanied by the westerner.

"He's after us, and he has got somebody to help him," ejaculatedMalone.

"Well, I reckon we can run as fast as they can," answered GaffCaven. "Come ahead!"

He led the way along a trail that ran through the woods and cameout on a winding country road. Beyond was another patch oftimber.

"This way, Pat," said he. "We'll have to take to the woodsagain. They are too close for comfort."

"Can't we climb a tree, or hide in a hollow?" questioned theconfederate.

"We'll see," said Caven.

They pushed on harder than ever, and passed in among some talltrees. Then they came to a tree that was bent over.

"Up you go," cried Caven, and gave his confederate a boost intothe tree. Then he hauled himself up.

"Now climb to the top," he went on, and Malone did as requested. Caven followed suit, and both hid themselves among the thickbranches.

"They won't find us here," said Malone, after ten minutes hadpassed.

"Don't make a noise," whispered Caven.

After that they remained silent. From a great distance came ashouting, and the whistling of locomotives. The trees were beinghauled from the car tracks. A little later they heard morewhistling and then the two trains passed on their way.

"The trains have gone," whispered Malone. "Do you think the boygot aboard one of them?"

"No, I don't," answered his companion. "He is too determined alad to give up so easily. He must be still looking for us."

CHAPTER XXVIII.

FROM OUT OF A TREE.

Caven was right, Joe and his newly-made friend were still in thewoods, doing their best to locate the two rascals.

They had found the trail but lost it in the patch of tall timber,and were gazing around when they heard the trains leaving thecut.

"There goes our outfit, friend," said the westerner. "And therewon't be another train along for several hours."

"It's too bad, but it can't be helped," answered our hero. "ButI'll pay you for all time lost, Mr.--"

"Plain Bill Badger is my handle, stranger."

"My name is Joe Bodley."

"What about these two varmin you are after?"

"They were trying to rob a friend of mine of some mining shares,"answered Joe, and gave a few details.

"Well, I vow!" cried Bill Badger "That mine is close to one mydad owns. They say it ain't of much account though."

"Mr. Vane thinks it is valuable. He has had a mining expert gointo the matter with great care."

"Then that's a different thing. Were you bound for the mine?"

"Yes, and so was Mr. Vane. We were on the train together when hewas robbed."

"I see. I was going out to my dad's mine."

"Then perhaps we can journey together--after we get throughhere," said Joe.

"I'm willing. I like your looks. Shake." And the pair shookhands.

Although a westerner, Bill Badger knew no more about following atrail than did our hero, consequently they proceeded on theirhunt with difficulty.

"That's so. Well, if you want to climb up and look around, I'llwatch the pair of 'em."

"Don't let them get away."

"If they try it, they'll go to the hospital or the graveyard,"replied the western young man, significantly.

"The satchel ain't in the tree," growled Caven, but his tonelacked positiveness.

"I'll soon know for certain," said our hero.

He climbed the tree with ease, having been used to such doingswhen living with the old hermit. As he went from branch tobranch he kept his eyes open, and presently saw a bit of leathersticking out of a crotch. He worked his way over and soon hadthe satchel in his possession.

"How are you making out?" called up Bill Badger.

"I've got it!" shouted our hero, joyfully.

"Got the papers?"

"Yes,--everything," said Joe, after a hasty examination.

"Hang the luck!" muttered Gaff Caven, much chagrined.

Our hero was soon on the ground once more. Here he examined thecontents of the satchel with care. Everything was there, and,locking the bag, he slung the strap over his shoulder.

"Now, what's the next move?" queried Bill Badger.

"We ought to have these men locked up. How far is it to thenearest town?"

"Ten or twelve miles, I reckon. I don't know much about theroads."

"Why can't you let us go?" asked Malone. "You've got what youwant."

"If I let you go you'll be trying to make more trouble for Mr.Vane and myself."

"Are you going to let them arrest us?" whispered Pat Malone, asthe whole party moved through the woods towards a wagon roadwhich ran nearly parallel to the railroad tracks.

"Not if I can help it," Caven whispered back. "We must watch ourchances."

Half a mile was covered and they came out on the road. It wasgrowing dark and there were signs of a storm in the air.

"It's going to rain," said Joe, and he was right.

"See here, I don't want to get wet to the skin," growled Caven. "I'll catch my death of cold."

"There is a barn just ahead," said Bill Badger. "Let us getinside."

Joe was willing, and soon all were in the barn. It was nowraining at a heavy rate and they were glad to be under shelter.

"With a barn there ought to be a house," remarked our hero. "ButI don't see any."

It grew still darker, and the rain came down in perfect sheets. The roof of the barn leaked, and they had to move from one spotto another, to keep out of the drippings.

While this was going on Gaff Caven was working at thehandkerchief that bound his wrists and soon had it loose. PatMalone also liberated himself. Caven winked suggestively at hisconfederate.

"Watch me," he whispered. "When I give the signal we'll knock'em both down and run for it."

"But the pistol--" began Malone.

"I'll take care of that."

In moving around the old barn Caven spotted a club and movedclose to it. Suddenly he snatched the weapon up and hit BillBadger on the arm with it. The pistol flew into a corner andwent off, sending a bullet into a board.

"Run!" yelled Caven, and leaped for the open doorway. Malonecame beside him, and both ran off through the rain as fast astheir legs could carry them.

Joe was startled and made after the pair. But at a groan fromBill Badger he paused.

"Are you badly hurt?" he asked.

"He gave me a stiff crack on the arm," growled the youngwesterner.

Joe ran for the corner and caught up the pistol. Then he leapedfor the open doorway.

"Stop, both of you!" he called out. "Stop, or I'll fire!"

"Don't you dare!" shrieked Pat Malone, and ran faster than ever,behind the nearest of the trees. Joe aimed the weapon, butbefore he could pull the trigger both of the bad men were out ofsight.

"Go after them, if you want to," said Bill Badger. "I'll gotoo."

"You are not badly hurt?" queried our hero, sympathetically.

"No, but if I catch that fellow I'll give it to him good,"grumbled the young westerner.

Both now left the barn and made after Caven and Malone. Oncethey caught sight of the rascals, moving in the direction of therailroad tracks.

"They are going to catch a train if they can!" cried our hero. "I hear one coming."

"It's a freight most likely," was Bill Badger's answer.

He was right, and soon the long line of freight cars hove intosight around a bend and on an upgrade. Far in the distance theybeheld Caven and Malone scooting for the train with all speed.

"They are going to make it," sighed Joe. "Too bad!"

They continued to run, but before they could get anywhere nearthe tracks they saw Caven leap for the train and get between twoof the cars. Then Malone got aboard also, and the freight trainpassed out of sight through the cut.

"That ends the chase," said Joe, halting. "They were slick to getaway."

"If we only knew where they would get off we could send wordahead," suggested his companion.

"Well, we don't know, and after this they will probably keeptheir eyes wide open and keep out of sight as much as possible. Anyway, I don't think they'll bother Mr. Vane any more."

"It's not likely. I'm a witness to what they were up to,"answered the young westerner.

Both Joe and Bill Badger were soaked from the rain and resolvedto strike out for the nearest farmhouse or village. They keptalong the railroad tracks, and presently came to a shanty wherethere was a track-walker.

"How far to the nearest village?" asked our hero.

"Half a mile."

"Thank you."

"How is it you are out here in the rain?" went on thetrack-walker.

"We got off our train and it went off without us."

"Oh, I see. Too bad."

Again our hero and his companion hurried on, and soon came insight of a small village. They inquired their way to a tavern,and there dried their clothing and procured a good, hot meal,which made both feel much better.

"I am going to send a telegram to Mr. Vane," said Joe, and did sowithout further delay. He was careful of the satchel and did notleave it out of his sight.

They found they could get a train for the West that evening atseven o'clock and at the proper time hurried to the depot.

"I'm glad I met you," said Joe, to his newly-made friend. "Now,what do you think I owe you for what you did?"

"As we didn't land the fellows in jail you don't owe meanything," said Bill Badger, promptly.

"Oh, yes, I do."

"Well then, you can pay the extra expense, and let that fill thebill."

"I'll certainly do that," said Joe, promptly.

As they rode along Bill Badger told something of himself and ofthe mine his father owned, and then Joe told something of his ownstory.

"Did you say your name is Joe Bodley?" asked the young westerner,with deep interest.

"Yes."

"And you are looking for a man by the name of William A. Bodley?"

"I am."

"It seems to me I know a man by that name, although the minersall call him Bill Bodley."

"Where is this Bill Bodley?"

"Out in Montana somewhere. He worked for my father once, aboutthree years ago. He was rather a strange man, about fifty yearsold. He had white hair and a white beard, and acted as if he hadgreat trouble on his mind."

"You do not know where he is now?"

"No, but perhaps my father knows."

"Then I'm going to see your father as soon as I can," said Joe,decidedly.

"Mind you, I don't say that this Bill Bodley is the man you areafter, Joe. I don't want to raise any false hopes."

"Did you ever hear where the man came from?"

"I think he told somebody that he once owned a farm in Kansas orIowa."

"This William A. Bodley once owned a farm at Millville, Iowa."

"Is that so! Then he may be the same man after all. To tell thetruth, he looked a little bit like you."

"Was he a good man?" asked Joe, eagerly.

"Yes, indeed. But some of the men poked fun at him because hewas so silent and strange at times. I liked him and so didfather. He left us to go prospecting in the mountains."

Thus the talk ran on for half an hour, when the train came to asudden halt.

"Are we at a station?" asked Bill Badger.

"I don't know," said Joe.

Both looked out of the window but could see nothing except hillsand forests.

"We are in the foothills," said the young westerner. "Somethingmust be wrong on the tracks."

"More fallen trees perhaps."

"Or a landslide. They have them sometimes, when it rains as hardas it did to-day."

They left the car with some others and soon learned that therehad been a freight collision ahead and that half a dozen freightcars had been smashed to splinters.

"Do you think it can be the freight that Caven and Maloneboarded?" came from our hero, on hearing this news.

They walked to the scene of the wreck. One of the cars had beenburnt up but the conflagration was now under control and awrecking crew was already at work clearing the tracks so thatthey might be used.

"Anybody hurt?" asked Joe of a train hand.

"Yes, two men killed. They were riding between the cars."

"Tramps?"

"They didn't look like tramps. But they hadn't any right to rideon the freight."

"Where are they?"

"Over in the shanty yonder."

With a queer sensation in his heart Joe walked to the littlebuilding, accompanied by Bill Badger. A curious crowd was aroundand they had to force their way to the front.

One look was enough. Gaff Caven and Pat Malone lay there, coldin death. They had paid the penalty of their crimes on earth andgone to the final judgment.

CHAPTER XXX.

CONCLUSION.

"Let us go away!" whispered Joe, and moved out of the gatheringwithout delay.

"Not at all. If they hadn't broke away they'd be alive thisminute. They'll never bother you or your friend again, Joe."

Our hero felt weak at the knees and was glad enough to go back tothe train, where he sank into his seat. He scarcely said anotherword until the wreck was cleared away and they were once more ontheir journey.

"I reckon you are glad you got the satchel before this happened,"remarked Bill Badger, when they were preparing to retire.

"Yes. But I--I wish they had gotten away. It's awful to thinkthey are dead--and with such bad doings to their credit."

Joe did not sleep very well and he was up early in the morningand out on the rear platform, drinking in the fresh air. He feltas if he had passed through some fearful nightmare.

"How do you like this climate?" asked Bill Badger, as he cameout. "Ain't it just glorious?"

"It certainly is," said Joe, and he remembered what Ned had toldhim. "I don't wonder some folks like it better than the East."

"Oh, the East can't compare to it," answered Bill Badger. "Why Iwas once down to New York and Boston, and the crowd and confusionand smoke and smells made me sick for a week! Give me the puremountain air every time!"

The day proved a pleasant one and when he did not remember thetragedy that had occurred our hero enjoyed the ride and the wildscenery.

At last Golden Pass was reached, late at night, and they got offin a crowd of people.

"Joe!"

"Mr. Vane!" was the answering cry, and soon the two were shakinghands. "Let me introduce a new friend, Mr. Bill Badger."

"Glad to know you."

"Mr. Badger helped me get back your satchel," went on our hero.

"Then I am deeply indebted to him."

"In that case, just drop the mister from my name," drawled theyoung westerner. "Joe tells me you have a mine up here. Myfather has one, too--the Mary Jennie, next to the Royal Flush."

"Oh, yes, I know the mine, and I have met your father," saidMaurice Vane.

They walked to a hotel, and there Joe and his young westernfriend told their stories, to which Maurice Vane listened withkeen interest. The gentleman was shocked to learn of the suddendeath of Caven and Malone.

"It was certainly a sad ending for them," said he. "But, asBadger says, they had nobody but themselves to blame for it."

Maurice Vane was extremely glad to get back his mining shares andthanked Bill Badger warmly for what he had done.

"Don't you mention it," said the young westerner. "I'm going tohunt up dad now. When you get time, call and see us."

"I'm coming up soon, to find out about that Bill Bodley," saidJoe.

As late as it was Joe listened to what Maurice Vane had to tell.

"Now that Caven and Malone are gone I do not anticipate furthertrouble at the mine," said the gentleman. "I am in practicalpossession of all the shares, and shall have a clear title to thewhole property inside of a few weeks."

When Joe told him what Bill Badger had had to say about a certainman called Bill Bodley he was much interested.

"Yes, you must find out about this man at once," said he. "Iwill help you, as soon as certain matters are settled."

The next morning proved a busy one and Joe got no time to callupon Bill Badger's father. He visited the mine and looked overit with interest.

During the middle of the afternoon he went back to town on anerrand for Mr. Vane. He was passing a cabin on the outskirtswhen he heard loud words and a struggle.

Then there was another struggle, and suddenly a door burst openand a man leaped into the roadway. At sight of him Joe came to ahalt. The fellow was Bill Butts, the man who had tried toswindle Josiah Bean.

"Stop him!" came from the cabin. "He has my gold!"

"Stop!" cried Joe, and ran up to Butts. The next moment man andboy tripped and fell, but, luckily, our hero was on top.

"Let me go!" growled the man.

"So we meet again, Butts!" cried Joe.

The man stared in amazement and then began to struggle. Seeingthis, Joe doubled up his fists and gave him a blow in the noseand in the right eye, which caused him to roar with pain.

"That's right!" came from the doorway of the cabin. "Give it tohim! Make him give me my gold!"

"Give up the gold," ordered Joe.

"There it is!" growled Bill Butts, and threw a buckskin bagtowards the cabin. The man from within caught it up and stowedit away in his pocket.

"Shall I call a policeman?" asked Joe.

"I don't know," said the man from the cabin. He wore a troubledface and had white hair and a white beard. "It may be--Wha--where did you come from?" he gasped.

"Where did I come from?" asked Joe.

"Yes! yes! Answer me quickly! You are --you must be a ghost! Isaw you in my dreams last week!"

"I don't understand you," said Joe, and arose slowly to his feet,at which Bill Butts did likewise and began to retreat. "I nevermet you before."

"No? It's queer." The man brushed his hand over his forehead. "Yes, I must be dreaming. But I am glad I got my gold back."

"I--er--I don't know. You mustn't mind me--I have queer spellsat times. You see, I had a whole lot of trouble once, and when Iget to thinking about it--" The man did not finish.

"May I ask your name?" asked Joe, and his voice trembled in spiteof his efforts at self-control.

"Sure you can. It's Bill Bodley."

"William A. Bodley?"

"Yes. But how do you happen to know my full name?"

"Did you once own a farm in Millville, Iowa?"

"I had a farm in Iowa, yes. It was Millville Center in thosedays."

Joe drew closer and looked at the man with care and emotion.

"Did you ever have a brother named Hiram Bodley?"

"I did--but he has been dead for years."

"No, Hiram Bodley died only a short time ago," answered Joe. "Iused to live with him. My name is Joe Bodley. He told me I washis nephew."

"You his nephew! Hiram Bodley's nephew! We didn't have anybrothers or sisters, and he was a bachelor!"

"I know he was a bachelor. But I don't know--" Joe paused.

"He told me Joe died, at least I got a letter from somebody tothat effect. But I was near crazy just then, and I can'tremember exactly how it was. I lost my wife and two children andthen I guess I about lost my mind for a spell. I sold out, andthe next thing I knew I was roving around the mountains and inrags. Then I took to mining, and now I've got a mine of my own,up yonder in the mountains. Come in and talk this over."

Joe entered the cabin and sat down, and William Bodley plied himwith questions, all of which he answered to the best of hisability.

"There was a blue tin box I had," said he, presently, "thatcontained some documents that were mine."

"A blue tin box!" ejaculated Joe. "Hiram Bodley had it and itgot lost. I found it a long time afterwards and some parts ofthe documents were destroyed. I have the rest in my suit case atthe hotel."

"Can I see those papers?"

"Certainly."

"Perhaps you are my son, Joe?"

"Perhaps I am, sir."

They went to the hotel, and the documents were produced. ThenWilliam Bodley brought out some letters he possessed. Man andboy went over everything with care.

He told Joe to move over to the cabin, and our hero did so. Itwas a neat and clean place and soon Joe felt at home. Then heheard his father's tale in detail--an odd and wonderful story--ofgreat trials and hardship.

"There will always be something of a mystery about this," saidWilliam Bodley. "But, no matter, so long as I have you with me."

"Uncle Hiram was a queer stick," answered Joe. "I suppose if hewas alive he could explain many things." And in this Joe wascorrect.

Let us add a few words more and then draw our tale to a close.

When Joe told Maurice Vane how he had found a father thegentlemen was much astonished. So were the Badgers, but all wereglad matters had ended so well.

It was found that William Bodley's mine was a valuable one. Theore in it was about equal to the ore in the mine owned by MauriceVane, and this was likewise equal to that in the mine run byMr. Badger.

After some conversation on the subject it was agreed by all theinterested parties to form a new company, embracing all themines. Of the shares of this new concern, one-third went toMaurice Vane, one-third to the Badgers, and one-third to WilliamBodley and Joe. The necessary machinery was duly installed, andto-day the new company is making money fast.

On the day after his trouble with Mr. Bodley, Bill Buttsdisappeared from town. But a week later he was arrested inDenver and sent to jail for two years for swindling a ranchman.

During the following summer Joe received a visit from his oldfriend Ned, and the two boys had a delightful time together. Inthe meantime Joe spent half of his time at the mine and half overhis books, for he was determined to get a good education.

For a long time William Bodley had been in feeble health, butwith the coming of Joe on the scene he began to mend rapidly, andwas soon as hale and hearty as anybody. He was an expert miner,and was made general superintendent for the new company.

To-day Joe has a good education and is rich, but come what may,it is not likely that he will forget those days when he was knownas "Joe the Hotel Boy."